Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to cooperate on defense amid Iran’s drone strikes across the region, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday.

Zelensky said on social media he had met with Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and that the two leaders “agreed to cooperate in the field of security and defense. Our teams will finalize the details.”

“For all normal states, it is important to ensure stability and protect lives amid today’s threats. Ukraine has relevant expertise in this area,” he said.

The meeting took place against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions, including Iranian drone and missile activity across the Gulf, which has raised concerns over security, international shipping routes and global economic stability.

According to Emirati officials, the talks focused on the broader implications of the escalation for regional and international peace, as well as risks to global trade and navigation.

Zelenskyy condemned recent attacks targeting the UAE and other countries in the region, describing them as violations of sovereignty and international law that undermine global security.

Mohamed bin Zayed said the UAE was responding to the situation with restraint while remaining prepared to defend its sovereignty against threats targeting civilians and critical infrastructure. He reiterated the country’s right to self-defence under international law.

Beyond security, the two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties, including advancing cooperation under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and Ukraine.

The UAE president also reaffirmed support for international efforts aimed at achieving a lasting resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.